PLYMOUTH, N.H.-Plymouth State University invites New Hampshire high school science and social studies teachers to earn graduate credits in a rich, cross-cultural opportunity focused on environmental stewardship and cultural heritage preservation this summer at PSU.

Since 2004, educators from Pakistan have participated in a unique summer learning program at PSU known as the Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute (PELI). The program helps establish methods to promote active and responsible citizenship for the Pakistani and New Hampshire educators in their respective communities.

High school science and social studies teachers have an incredible opportunity to earn graduate credit by joining 20 Pakistani educators for a five-day academy held at
Plymouth State University July 14-18. The academy also will include a capstone celebration and forum on Thursday, July 24, at 4 p.m. Registration is limited to 20 New Hampshire educators.

Participants will explore strategies for linking local and global communities, experience local sites where environmental and cultural issues are linked, and learn to align curricular activities with international, U.S. and Pakistani national education standards like environmental literacy, cultural heritage and civics. The group will also develop and receive feedback on action plans to implement projects in participants’ home communities. Blakeman Allen, PELI’s director, said the academy is a rare opportunity for cross-cultural learning.

“Twenty dynamic educational leaders from Pakistan will be spending the month of July on the Plymouth State University campus,” said Allen. “Nominated by their institutions due to their outstanding professional credentials, they work throughout Pakistan. They represent the face of educational reform in Pakistan.”

One of the incoming cohort members wrote in her nomination form:

“As we know, teachers are essential players in providing quality education, whether in schools or in more flexible community based programs. They are advocates for, and catalysts of, change. No education reforms are likely to succeed without active participation and ownership of teachers.”

To earn three graduate credits for taking part in the five-day academy, participants must register for the summer graduate course, Environmental Stewardship and Cultural Heritage Preservation for Educators (HS 5560.01). For additional information on how to register, visit the College of Graduate Studies Web Site at plymouth.edu/graduate.